HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION California Occupational Guide Number 32 Interest Area 5-D 1998
THE JOB
HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS Install, maintain and repair heating,cooling, and refrigeration equipment in residential commercial, and industrial buildings. Mechanics may also be called heating and air conditioning technicians, or environmental control system installer servicers. The majority of mechanics are employed in the construction,services, and trade industries.
Mechanics work from blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturer instructions to install compressors, motors, condensers, thermostats, fans, ducts, pipes, and other mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into place. They use hand tools such as wrenches, electric drills, pipe cutters and benders, acetylene torches, and hammers to connect parts to duct work, gas and refrigerant lines, and other piping. Mechanics also use test instruments such as voltmeters, thermometers, and manometers. After attaching temperature and pressure control testing devices, the mechanics charge the system with refrigerant, and then test it for proper operation, making any necessary final adjustments.
A varied and complex task, known as "troubleshooting", requires that mechanics examine and, if necessary, take apart a unit when a breakdown occurs to find the source of the problem. After the source is identified and the necessary repairs are made, the unit is reassembled and tested.
Mechanics usually work independently, but depending on the job, may work with electricians or sheet metal workers. On large projects, electrical work may be done by electricians, pipe and other component installation by plumbers and pipe fitters, and duct work by sheet metal workers.
Mechanics are trained to install and service both residential and commercial heating and air conditioning units and commercial refrigeration systems. They may specialize in areas such as installation, maintenance, servicing of furnaces, oil burners, commercial refrigerators, or solar panels.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Mechanics work wherever the equipment to be installed or repaired is located. They may work outdoors, either on ground or rooftops, or inside office buildings, warehouses, or private residences. They bring the tools and parts they need to the job site. Mechanics working outdoors are exposed to all types of weather. They must be in good health and have above average strength and coordination in order to lift or move heavy pieces of equipment. Work may require using ladders or scaffolding. The mechanics must assume awkward and cramped positions to reach parts of the unit during installation, servicing, and maintenance. They are exposed to various occupational hazards, such as electrical shocks, burns from welding equipment, operating machinery, and exposure to refrigerants and fuels such as heating oil and natural gas.
Since they are in frequent contact with the public, they must be able to deal courteously and tactfully with customers and with workers in the construction trades.
Most employers require that mechanics are licensed to drive and be bondable. The mechanics may also be required to supply their own hand tools which range in price from $100 to over $1,000.
Union mechanics may be represented by either the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada or the Sheet Metal Workers International Association. Mechanics in metropolitan areas of California may be highly unionized.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent the broad occupational group Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 12,220 Estimated number of workers in 2005 19,920 Projected Growth 1993-2005 63% Estimated openings due to separation by 2005 4,370
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics rank among the top fifty fastest growth occupations in California. As the population and economy grow, so does the demand for new residential, commercial, and climate control systems. Concern for the environment and energy conservation should continue to prompt the development of new energy saving heating and air conditioning systems. Better systems will also lead to the replacement of older ones.
WAGES, HOURS AND FRINGE BENIFITS
The salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics vary due to experience, location, and unionization. The median wage reported for all experience levels is $15.42 per hour. Union wages are about $4.00 higher per hour than the prevailing non-union wages.
ENTRANCE REQUIRMENTS AND TRAINING
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for most mechanic jobs. A person should have an aptitude for mechanical work and the ability to analyze problems and absorb technical data. Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanical drawing, and shop are highly recommended.
Mechanics must comprehend and use a variety of communication techniques in their work. A mechanic must be able read and understand technical materials such as codes and regulations, installation, maintenance, and service manuals, flowcharts, tables, and graphs. They must also be able to keep technical and diagnostic notes and compile data to complete reports, forms, records, warranties, invoices, and contracts.
Mechanics must understand and apply math concepts in performing their duties. They must be able to compute formulas and equations such as volumes, pressures, and degrees. They must have the ability to measure distance, angles, circles, arcs, temperature, weight, volume, and pressure. Identification and interpretation of geometric figures, graphs, scales, and gauge indications is also required.
Mechanics are required to know the scientific principles that are central to their job duties. They must show an understanding of the principles of heat transfer, combustion, temperature, pressure, electricity, and magnetism. Further, Mechanics must understand the concepts of electrical measurement, chemical reactions, and physical and chemical properties of commonly used substances such as refrigerants and hydrocarbons.
In areas that are not highly unionized, many mechanics learn the trade by working as helpers to experienced mechanics. There are several technical schools and company sponsored training courses available that offer classes in heating and air conditioning, such as electric or gas heating, packaged cooling or trouble shooting techniques. Many community colleges offer certificate programs in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology.
In highly unionized areas, the usual training for mechanics is a four to five year apprenticeship program. The minimum age for admission is 18 years. Applicants must achieve a passing score on a written examination and an oral test measuring motivation to enter the program. The training consists of classroom work combined with on-the-job-training.
ADVANCEMENT
Many service and maintenance shops are small with little chance for advancement. In larger shops, journey level mechanics can advance to supervisory positions. Some mechanics can become self-employed.
FINDING THE JOB
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics can find work by applying directly to employers, by registering with a union, and by applying to Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Apprenticeship candidates should inquire at the training office of the Apprenticeship Coordinator at the union or contact the EDD office in their area.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society 1666 Rand Road Des Plaines, IL 60016 (847) 297-6464 www.rses.org/
National Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors P.O. Box 6808 Falls Church, VA 22040 (800) 533-7694 www.naphcc.org/
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute 4301 Fairfax Drive, Suite 425 Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 524-8800 www.ari.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Sheet Metal Workers No. 49 Plumbers No. 173 Stationary Engineers No. 234
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Heating-and-Air-Conditioning Installer-Servicer 637.261-014 Refrigeration Mechanic 637.261-026
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers 859020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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